From a review of the book:
 
“Read Battle of the Bridges as one who has cast his fate with the “movers and shakers” leading the immigration into Central Nebraska. Tender your soul for 160 acres of raw grass. With sweat, tears and an unnatural faith, thrust the seeds of your future into the depths of an uncompromising earth. Scan the horizons for wind-borne fires. Watch ‘hoppers devour all hope. The Union Pacific brought you here, it is the source of your supplies and your only hope to market a crop...but it, too, is threatened with financial collapse. You are irrevocably dependent on its success...and trapped by its excesses. Or try building a bridge while competing interests and an arrogant river collaborate to assure your defeat.”